Monday, February 9, 2009

Whoa, we're getting really close to the release of Book 2. I feel like this has totally snuck up on me, and I haven't done as much thinking about promoting the release as I did with Book 1. I think part of that is because my publisher has really pulled back due to the economy and my release tour is going to be very modest.

But, hey! Stupid Dashner! That means you should be working even harder to promote it on the Internet!

Thinking, thinking, thinking...

I got nothin'.

Meanwhile, I really hurt my knee last Thursday night playing basketball. Yes, pity me. I was making a very Jordanesque drive to the hoop when I planted my right leg awkwardly and I felt something twist and turn inside my kneecap. Never had that happen before. It was very strange and very painful.

Of course, I fell to the floor and writhed in agony, realizing the opportunity of a lifetime to be treated like a king. Carried off the floor, brought my own personal bag of ice, many looks of concern for my welfare. And I've milked it at home, too, enjoying the royal treatment from my wife and kids. Even my one-year-old brought me my copy of Entertainment Weekly when he could tell I needed a boost.

I spoke with my Physical Therapist friend and he told me to wait until today to see if I should go to the doctor. It's better, but not a whole lot better. I'm currently trying to decide what to do. I didn't feel the infamous "POP" so I'm really hoping it's nothing serious.

Okay, just had an idea. It seems like a lot of you are really excited for my book, THE MAZE RUNNER. Well, we should be seeing advance copies for that sometime in May. Now, I have no idea how many of those I'll be receiving, but hopefully enough to make this worthwhile.

How about one of those blog tour thingies? Do those work? Every person who blogs about my book the week of its release will have their name put into the drawing hat. If I get enough ARCs for everyone, a copy is yours when they are printed. If there aren't enough, we'll give away as many as I get until they run out, drawing names randomly.

Does that sound like it'll help? I'm asking for advice from my faithful readers. I want to do something that will really help get the word out. Book 1 was well received, and almost all of the reviews were very positive. But Book 2 is so much better, and I want people to discover it! Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

I now officially know where the first opportunity to buy my book and have me sign it will be. The BYU Bookstore will have copies of Book 2 when I'm there for LTUE, the writing/ scifi/ fantasy/ educator symposium to be held the weekend of February 19-21. My signing will be at the bookstore at 2:00 pm on Saturday the 21st, and Book 2 will be there, even though it's technically early.

I'll also be doing a reading and various panels that whole event, so be sure and check out the website for the schedule. It's free. No, really, it's free! And lots of big names will be there. To check it out, CLICK HERE.

Anyway, I hope we can have a party atmosphere around here at The Dashner Dude as we countdown to the release of THE HUNT FOR DARK INFINITY. And any help or advice you guys can give me, bring it on, please! Let's make this thing rock n roll.

I would love to get an ARC for Maze Runner! Pick me, pick me! I will definitely try to write a post about Book 2 if that's what it'll get me! Unfortunately, I don't buy a lot of books, even if they're totally hyped about. I take them out from the library, so I don't have to pay anything for them. Would you have an idea when Book 2 is distributed to library's? If you say the chances aren't good, I promise I will buy your 2nd book. And maybe the first one too, for good measure!

I just would really like an ARC of your book. That kind of thing sounds so cool! To read a book before anyone else has! Just remember to think of me, okay?

I knew not having a blog would turn to bite me! The idea of getting an ARC for MAZE is a great bonus, but honestly, I think anyone who's read any of your books has been spreading the release through word of mouth. I know it's come up in half a dozen conversations I've had just in the past week, and I only had to bring it up half of those times!

I'd definitely blog about your book the week of its release! I think blog tours are a great way to publicize books, I've participated in quite a few and have two on this month. Usually when I haven't read/reviewed a book I just do a book spotlight with a blurb and author info, so it would be easy. I won't be able to read it myself for a while, but I'm planning to when I get back to the states. =)

On the word of mouth thing:This morning I listed book 2 on my goodreads page and in an hour and a half I've already had two comments on it. One is from a friend who teaches at a school you went to last year, and she can't say enough great things about your visit!

Just thought you'd like to know your fans are all taking your promotion upon themselves!

What about a Facebook thing? Can I get considered for a Maze Runner ARC if I mention it all over the place on Facebook? I don't really have a blog that I maintain, but I'm on Facebook every day. So, how about it?

As I've already mentioned I have Book 2 pre-ordered on Amazon...and you can be sure it will be blogged about as soon as it arrives...and when its read. I gave a friend of mine Book 1 recently and told her she HAD to read it since it was really good & because Book 2 was almost here.

Do you know if there will be a book trailer for book 2 like there was for book 1?

Really sorry to hear about your knee...as someone with knee issues I feel you pain!

Ya know, I would blog about it anyways. I mean, I would love to have an ARC of Maze Runner, but I am going to blog about it anyways. I have a good idea too!

Anyways, you rock James! Sorry about the knee. I had a friend who loved volleyball. She ripped her cartilage in her left knee one year. (totally ruined it!) Then she did the same exact thing the next year in the same place. This time it was playing basketball. Now she has no hope in either sports. (Maybe she should try chess, or reading. Is reading a sport? I am an expert at that!!!)

Don't worry about the advertising of Book 2 (or Maze Runner) Us stalkers...I mean...us fans, will definitely do the dirty work. Whatever it takes. Hehehe!!!

About Me

I'm an author who still can't believe people will pay me for doing something I love. I was born and raised in Georgia but now live in Utah with my wife and 4 children. Check out my website to learn about my books.

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